The Brigade was called to a fire in a garden shed at the back of a house on New River Crescent in Southgate last night. Smoke and fire damaged the whole of the shed, fortunately no one was injured.
The shed was believed to be used as a living space and had a bed, furniture and other personal effects inside it. The blaze is thought to have started when bedding was left too close to a convection heater.
Figures released in January showed that fires caused by electrical heaters have resulted in 12 deaths and nearly 231 injuries over the past five years. A Brigade spokesperson said:
“Shockingly over two thirds of fatal fires involving heaters are caused by furniture or clothing being too close. People need to make sure their portable heaters are standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”
We recommend the following advice:
• Never sit too close to the heater as you could set light to your clothes or chair, especially if you fall asleep.
• Heaters should stand where they can't be knocked over, away from beds, furniture and fabrics.
• Do not put anything on the heater or use it to dry clothes.
Two fire engines and ten firefighters and officers attended the blaze from Southgate and Edmonton fire stations.
The Brigade was called at 0144 and the fire was under control by 0200.